Raffaela (Lena) Cardella, 84, of Cranford, NJ, passed away at her home on April 28, 2024. She was born and raised in Badolato, Italy before moving to Brooklyn, NY then Kenilworth, NJ, where she resided for 52 years. She recently moved to Cranford three years ago.

Lena is predeceased by her granddaughter, Juliana, daughter, Cathy and husband, Joseph. Surviving are her children, Elaine and Thomas Tedesco, Lisa and Anthony Carbone, and son-in-law, Bryan Bonett; grandchildren, Christopher, Abigail, Selina, Marc, Nina and Paige; great granddaughters, Anastasia and Camellia; as well as sister, Eleanor Fonte. 

Lena will always be known for her love of family, friends, and cooking.  She enjoyed hosting holidays, going to the beach, and crafting with her, “I make” attitude.  

Visitation will be on Thursday from 4-7 pm at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave, Westfield. Funeral mass will be on Friday at 10:30 am at St. Theresa RC Church with entombment to follow at Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth. Family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Friday at 10:15am